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The United Nations reported that 144 migrants and refugees died or went missing after their boats sank off the coast of Mauritania. Rescue operations saved 387 people from several boats between July 14 and 18, but many others lost their lives trying to cross from West Africa to Europe.
Key Facts
144 migrants and refugees were reported dead or missing after maritime accidents near Mauritania.
Three rescue operations brought 387 people safely ashore in Nouadhibou, Mauritania.
One boat from Gambia had 143 people dead or missing, with only 38 survivors, including two children who lost their families.
The journey was from West Africa towards Spain, considered very dangerous due to long distances and poor boat conditions.
So far in 2026, 2,147 people were rescued in 17 disembarkations in Mauritania.
The number of migrants arriving in the Canary Islands is down 61% compared to 2025, with 4,400 arrivals reported by mid-July.
The sea route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is one of the deadliest for migrants.
UNHCR highlighted the ongoing human risks of these migration attempts.
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Melinda French Gates shared that she began experiencing symptoms of perimenopause in her early 40s, shortly after having her last child in her late 30s. It took visits to three different doctors before she received the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Key Facts
Melinda French Gates started noticing perimenopause symptoms in her early 40s.
She had her last child in her late 30s.
She initially did not expect to have perimenopause symptoms so soon after childbirth.
Three doctors were consulted before she got the right diagnosis.
After the diagnosis, she received appropriate treatments for her symptoms.
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Many people from around the world are trafficked to scam centers in Cambodia where they are forced to cheat others, including U.S. citizens, and suffer abuse. The U.S. government has used sanctions to target these operations but has cut funding for groups that help survivors, leaving many victims without support after rescue.
Key Facts
A young woman named Kenyagi was trafficked from Uganda to a scam center in Cambodia called "Park 8."
Victims at these scam centers are forced to run fraud schemes targeting mainly U.S. citizens.
Kenyagi was abused, threatened with torture, raped, and forced to have an abortion before escaping.
The FBI estimates U.S. citizens lost over $16 billion to scam operations in 2025.
The U.S. used sanctions against some scam groups, which led to some arrests but did not completely stop scamming.
Sanctions alone have not ended the scam industry, and some scams continued after sanctions on Cambodian officials.
The Trump administration cut nearly all funding from USAID for anti-human trafficking groups in the region.
Many survivors of these scams and human trafficking did not get proper care or help after rescue due to lack of funds.
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A 10-foot great white shark was seen very close to swimmers off the coast of Southern California. The encounter was captured on drone video showing the shark near a group of children in the water.
Key Facts
The shark is a great white, known for being large and powerful.
It measured about 10 feet long.
The incident happened off the Southern California coast.
Drone footage captured the shark swimming near children in the water.
No injuries or attacks were reported during the encounter.
Great white sharks are common in this region during certain times of the year.
Officials often warn swimmers when sharks are spotted close to shore.
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Germany’s national railway company, Deutsche Bahn, will ban drinking alcohol at all 5,400 train stations by October 15 to improve safety and cleanliness. Some exceptions will apply, such as for bars and restaurants inside stations, and passengers can still bring unopened alcohol with them.
Key Facts
The alcohol ban will be introduced gradually across all German train stations by October 15, 2026.
30 stations, including those in Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich, already have the ban in place.
Berlin’s main and Gesundbrunnen stations will start the ban on September 1.
The ban aims to reduce violence linked to alcohol consumption at stations.
People who ignore the ban can be removed from stations or banned permanently if they offend repeatedly.
Station bars and restaurants can continue to serve alcohol.
Passengers can carry closed bottles or cans of alcohol in bags but cannot drink openly at stations.
The ban does not apply to alcohol consumed on board the trains, where drinks are still sold, especially in dining cars.
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Leaders of India’s "cockroach movement" said they will stop street marches in New Delhi after police used violence against their supporters during a large protest. The group will keep protesting to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, blaming him for problems in the education system linked to a leaked exam paper.
Key Facts
Over 10,000 people marched in New Delhi demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Police used tear gas and batons against protesters, injuring around 150 activists and detaining 70.
The protest movement began after a leaked medical exam paper forced millions of students to retake exams, with at least 12 reported student suicides linked to the issue.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is demanding 10 million rupees (about $104,000) in compensation for each family of students who died.
Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi held a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence supporting the movement.
Veteran activist Sonam Wangchuk went on a hunger strike in support of the protests and was forcibly hospitalized, leading to a court order for his transfer to private care.
Despite stopping street marches, the CJP vows to continue peaceful protests and pressure the government.
Authorities say 60 protesters and 118 police officers were injured, and legal cases will be opened against detained protesters.
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Wildfires have destroyed two First Nations communities in Ontario, Canada, forcing residents to evacuate on their own without government warning or support. First Nations leaders say the government response was disorganized, and many Indigenous communities are vulnerable to fires with limited emergency aid.
Key Facts
Two First Nations communities, Namaygoosisagagun and Whitewater Lake, were burned down by wildfires in Ontario.
About 2,000 people have been evacuated from 13 communities, mostly First Nations, due to the fires.
Namaygoosisagagun residents escaped quickly by boat but lost all buildings and infrastructure.
The community had asked the federal government for help before the fire but was told no immediate threat existed.
Ontario’s premier said the province would spend as much as needed to fight fires but faced criticism over unclear support for First Nations.
Ontario plans to reduce its firefighting budget from $271 million (2025-26) to $150 million (2026-27).
First Nations communities make up 80% of locations at high risk for wildfires in Canada.
Some communities, like Namaygoosisagagun, lack official federal recognition, complicating access to emergency funds.
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Four Nigerian police officers were arrested for setting up an illegal checkpoint to demand money from drivers. The head of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency reported being stopped and forced to withdraw money, leading to the officers facing disciplinary action.
Key Facts
Four police officers allegedly created an unauthorized roadblock to collect bribes.
Musa Aliyu, leader of Nigeria’s anti-corruption commission, was stopped and forced to withdraw 53,000 naira (~$38).
The officers told Aliyu he would face a fine for traffic violations to justify the bribe.
Aliyu asked for bank details to transfer money, but the officer refused, so he withdrew cash instead.
Police Commissioner Ahmed Sanusi condemned the officers and said they will face disciplinary procedures that may lead to dismissal.
The incident was detected through a police investigation after Aliyu reported it.
This case is notable because such corruption incidents rarely result in court cases.
The police chief emphasized that officers must choose between being honest officers or criminals.
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A 2-year-old boy named Bryson, born without parts of his arms and legs, took his first steps using prosthetic legs. His parents shared videos of his progress to show that children with disabilities can live active, happy lives.
Key Facts
Bryson is 2 years old and was born missing both legs below the knees and both arms below the elbows.
He was fitted with prosthetic legs when he was 9 months old.
Bryson recently took his first steps using Spiderman-themed prosthetic legs while pushing a cart.
He does not always like using the prosthetics and sometimes moves without them.
Bryson’s parents document his journey on social media under the name @starfish.chronicles.
Their goal is to show that people with limb differences can live normal, joyful lives.
A video of Bryson walking has gained over 230,000 views and 21,600 likes on Instagram.
His mother says Bryson is very independent, able to feed himself and play.
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The number of hungry people worldwide has decreased for the third year in a row but is still higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Africa remains the region with the most hungry people, and many still cannot afford healthy food, especially in Africa and Asia.
Key Facts
About 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, which is 14 million fewer than in 2024.
Around 7.8% of the world's population experienced hunger in 2025, down from 8.1% in 2024 and 8.6% in 2022.
Africa has about 309 million undernourished people, nearly half of the global total.
Asia and Latin America have made steady progress in reducing hunger levels.
Population growth in Africa means the total number of hungry people there is still rising despite a slight drop in hunger rate.
By 2030, the global number of hungry people is expected to drop by about 20%, but over 500 million will still face hunger.
The number of people unable to afford a healthy diet fell from 2.97 billion in 2021 to 2.69 billion in 2025.
The cost of a healthy diet rose to $4.28 per day in 2025, making it harder for many people, especially in Africa and Asia, to eat well.
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Andy Burnham, the new British prime minister, will soon attend an EU-UK summit to discuss ongoing issues between Britain and Europe. His government aims to continue working on security, trade, and cooperation while balancing the legacy of Brexit.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the seventh British prime minister since the 2016 Brexit vote.
EU leaders including Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have greeted Burnham positively.
Burnham has expressed a wish to see Britain rejoin the EU someday but does not prioritize reversing Brexit now.
He has appointed Hamish Falconer as Europe minister, replacing Nick Thomas-Symonds to bring new energy to talks.
Johnny Reynolds returned as business secretary to help protect trade and negotiate tariff changes with the EU.
Under previous leadership, the UK and EU signed agreements on security, defence, and financial loans for Ukraine.
The upcoming summit will focus on easing trade barriers for fresh food, linking emissions trading, and youth exchange programs.
Ireland’s Europe minister expects positive continuity in EU-UK relations after the summit.
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President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has agreed to start national talks with political opposition groups. This decision follows growing political pressure over his government's plan to change the constitution.
Key Facts
President Felix Tshisekedi leads the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He will open national dialogue with opposition politicians.
The talks come after increased political pressure on Tshisekedi’s government.
The pressure is related to a proposed change in the country’s constitution.
Civil society groups in the DRC have called for national dialogue for over a year.
The dialogue aims to address political disagreements in the country.
The move is considered an important step for political stability in the DRC.
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Khalil al-Hayya was narrowly elected as the new leader of Hamas after nearly two years of shared leadership. His election highlights divisions within Hamas, especially about its relationship with Iran and the balance of power among its Gaza, West Bank, and diaspora branches.
Key Facts
Hamas was founded in 1987 as part of the Muslim Brotherhood network in Gaza and surrounding regions.
Its original leadership was based in Gaza but shifted toward the diaspora due to Israeli crackdowns.
Khalil al-Hayya won the Hamas leadership vote by just one vote, 35 to 34.
The election reflects ongoing tensions between factions aligned differently, with some closer to Iran.
Hamas leadership is organized into three main groups: Gaza, West Bank, and the diaspora, each with its own council.
This structure has led to internal conflicts and overlapping responsibilities.
Hamas’s leadership was based in Damascus for 11 years, during which its international ties, including with Iran and allies like Hezbollah, grew stronger.
The current situation tests whether Hamas can reunite its different factions under al-Hayya’s leadership.
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Officials in Chile declared a state of catastrophe in the Coquimbo region and Huasco province after heavy rains caused floods and mudslides. At least five people died, thousands were affected, and many are isolated or missing.
Key Facts
Heavy rains caused floods and mudslides in Chile’s Coquimbo region and Huasco province.
A state of catastrophe was declared by the Chilean government.
At least five people have died due to the extreme weather.
More than 99,000 people are isolated by floodwaters or damaged roads.
Several people are reported missing across the country.
Cerro Tololo in Coquimbo recorded over 200 millimeters of rain, a historic amount.
Chile’s disaster agency Senapred is coordinating the emergency response.
President José Antonio Kast activated the constitutional state of catastrophe to manage the crisis.
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The U.S. State Department criticized China’s coast guard for aggressive actions during a clash with Philippine sailors near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The U.S. supports the Philippines and refers to an international ruling that rejects China’s broad claims in the area, while China denies wrongdoing and defends its actions.
Key Facts
A fight occurred between Chinese coast guard and Philippine navy personnel near Second Thomas Shoal, about 120 miles off Palawan, Philippines.
One Philippine sailor was injured in the incident involving rods and oars.
Both China and the Philippines accuse each other of starting the clash.
The U.S. has a Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines covering attacks in the South China Sea.
The U.S. condemned China’s actions and supported the Philippines’ restraint.
A 2016 international ruling declared China’s large maritime claims in the South China Sea invalid.
China refuses to accept the 2016 ruling and says its coast guard was lawfully protecting its rights.
China criticized the U.S. for interfering and escalating tensions in the region.
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A woman gave birth to rare identical quadruplet girls, all from one fertilized egg and sharing a single placenta. Such natural identical quadruplets are extremely uncommon worldwide.
Key Facts
The quadruplet daughters are identical, meaning they come from the same egg and share the same genetic makeup.
They were naturally conceived, not through fertility treatments.
All four babies share one placenta, which is rare for multiples.
Identical quadruplets occur in only a few cases globally.
The birth took place recently and has attracted attention due to its rarity.
Identical multiples happen when a fertilized egg splits into multiple embryos.
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Joel Mawhinney, a former presenter of the children's show Blue Peter, performed a magic trick on America's Got Talent where he took and appeared to break judges' personal items but then revealed they were unharmed. He received three "yes" votes from the judges and moved on to the next round.
Key Facts
Joel Mawhinney, from Northern Ireland, was a Blue Peter presenter for over three years before leaving to focus on magic.
He performed a risky magic trick on America's Got Talent involving judges’ prized possessions, including a phone, a picture of a dog, and a bracelet.
Mawhinney appeared to smash the items with a hammer, but they later reappeared undamaged in surprising places.
Judges Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Simon Cowell voted "yes," while Howie Mandel voted "no" due to the performance's slow pace.
Mawhinney said the audition was nerve-wracking but was helped by his live TV experience on Blue Peter.
Producers invited him to audition since 2020, but he only decided to go for it after leaving Blue Peter earlier in 2024.
The trick involved finding and borrowing the judges' possessions without actually taking or damaging them.
Mawhinney is now competing for a cash prize on the show.
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Thousands of Indian students protested in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after exam scandals. The police used tear gas and force to disperse the crowd, injuring over 100 students, but the protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations.
Key Facts
The protests took place in the center of New Delhi near Parliament Street and Connaught Place.
Police cracked down on thousands of mainly student protesters with tear gas and force.
More than 100 students were injured during the police action.
The protests began after exam papers were leaked and students faced unfair grading in entrance exams.
Over 20 students have died by suicide, many linked to the exam problems.
The prime minister, Narendra Modi, has not addressed the protests directly.
Student leaders said they will keep protesting until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed by police and detained in a hospital, which his supporters call illegal.
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Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun is visiting Washington, DC, to seek support from President Donald Trump for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and for strengthening the Lebanese army. This follows recent talks between Lebanon and Israel to implement a ceasefire agreement and efforts to reduce Hezbollah’s influence in the region.
Key Facts
President Joseph Aoun arrived in Washington, DC, for an official visit, the first by a Lebanese head of state since 2009.
Aoun is meeting with President Trump to discuss support for Israeli withdrawal and backing for the Lebanese army.
Recent US-mediated talks in Rome involved Lebanon and Israel discussing the implementation of a ceasefire deal signed on June 26.
The Israeli military has started a gradual withdrawal from some parts of southern Lebanon under a plan called the “pilot zone programme.”
Lebanese troops have begun deploying in areas where Israel withdrew, aiming to take control and confiscate Hezbollah’s weapons.
Hezbollah opposes Lebanon’s negotiations with Israel and wants to keep its weapons, while Israel demands Hezbollah’s disarmament before full withdrawal.
Lebanon’s government wants to disarm non-state armed groups like Hezbollah to improve security and stability.
The Lebanese government seeks increased US and international investment to support the army and rebuild the country’s damaged infrastructure.
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The United Kingdom has a new prime minister and government focused on changing the country's direction. Before the first cabinet meeting, they announced a cut in the VAT tax on energy bills to address the cost of living, but the decision has already received some criticism.
Key Facts
The UK has a new prime minister and government as of July 2026.
The new government aims to change the current direction of the country.
A reduction in VAT (value-added tax) on energy bills was announced before the first cabinet meeting.
Reducing VAT on energy bills is meant to help with the rising cost of living.
Some people have criticized this VAT cut announcement.
The new prime minister is Andy Burnham.
The government’s priorities include addressing economic challenges faced by citizens.
The news source providing this information is Reuters, reported on July 21, 2026.
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